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G overnment Structures and Systems Politics 101

G overnment Structures and Systems Politics 101. The National Democratic Institute. Introductions/ Ground rules. Introductions Ground Rules Ice Breaker Exercise. Objectives. To understand the various divisions and levels of government and their roles/ responsibilities

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G overnment Structures and Systems Politics 101

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  1. Government Structures and Systems Politics 101 The National Democratic Institute

  2. Introductions/Ground rules • Introductions • Ground Rules • Ice Breaker Exercise

  3. Objectives • To understand the various divisions and levels of government and their roles/ responsibilities • To learn how to address issues of importance in your community

  4. Government Structures Topics • Constitutional framework • Divisions of government and roles • Parliamentary and presidential systems • Roles of elected and political leaders • Women in government

  5. Key Terms • Politics • Governance • Executive • Legislative • Judiciary • Checks and balances

  6. CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK • What is a constitution? • What is its role? • Who must obey it?

  7. GENDER SENSITIVE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS • A blanket equality clause • CEDAW and human rights treaties • Full and equal citizenship • Full and equal inheritance and land rights • Political quotas across sectors • Temporary special measures

  8. POLITICAL SYSTEMS • Unified system vs. dual system • President • Head of government

  9. PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS • President • Generally popularly elected • 27 women presidents from 22 countries Photo: Week of Women, NDI

  10. PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEMS • Prime minister • Path to power is through party and coalition governments Photo: Julia Gillard, photograph by Glen McCurtayne for The Sydney Morning Herald

  11. DIVISIONS OF GOVERNMENT • Executive • Judicial • Legislative

  12. EXECUTIVE BRANCH • Head of State • Head of Government • Cabinet • Ministries • Oversees implementation of laws and administration of the country • Women in the executive branch

  13. JUDICIAL BRANCH • Interprets constitution and laws • Administers justice in resolving disputes • Promotes the rule of law • Independent

  14. WOMEN AND JUDICIAL BRANCH • Lack of access to the judicial system • Lack of women in the judiciary • Discriminatory laws and judicial systems

  15. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH • National legislature - Upper and lower house • Local legislative bodies Photo: National Democratic Institute

  16. ROLES OF POLITICAL ACTORS • Constituency • Government • Political parties and coalitions • Special interest groups Photo: Marie-Ève_NDI-Pakistan

  17. ROLES OF LEGISLATORS • Legislator • Committee member • Public servant • Party member

  18. ROLES OF LEGISLATORS • Legislator • Analyze legislation • Lawmaking • Budgeting • Committee member • Committee work • Public hearings • Oversight of government Photo: National Democratic Institute, Sierra Leone

  19. ROLES OF LEGISLATORS • Public servant • Constituent relations • Outreach to constituency • Party member • Parties in parliament • Parliamentary groups and caucuses • Dealing with opponents/opposition Photo: National Democratic Institute, Cambodia

  20. LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT

  21. LOCAL GOVERNMENT • Oversees local administration of: • Services (medical, education, etc.) • Policies • Local taxes and budgets • Should respond to citizens’ needs and involve them in decisions

  22. LOCAL LEVEL LEGISLATORS Local government administration Citizens Local councilors are the link • Represent/advocate for community • Maintain transparency • Encourage inclusive policies

  23. EXERCISE Handling issues at the local level Photo: Tassos C, NDI

  24. WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI

  25. GOVERNMENT STRUCTURES REVIEW • Constitutional framework • Divisions of government and roles • Parliamentary and presidential systems • Roles of elected and political leaders • Women in government • Questions? • Feedback?

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